Jennette Jansen

Started: She began handcycling in 2012. (jennettejansen.nl, 15 Sep 2019) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (paralympic.org, 12 Aug 2024) Additional Info: TEAM PLAYER TO INDIVIDUAL She has represented the Netherlands in athletics and wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games. She took a break from competition following the 2004 Games in Athens, where she had helped the Dutch wheelchair basketball team to the quarterfinals, before taking up handcycling in 2012. "In a team sport like basketball in particular, I sometimes found it difficult that teammates were less driven. There you are really as strong as your weakest link. On the other hand, you also shared your emotions and also the pressure. In handcycling I am the one who has to make it happen." (jennettejansen.nl, 15 Sep 2019; cyclingdrenthe.nl, 09 Sep 2019) PREVIOUS OCCUPATION She worked as a claim correspondent at an insurance company for 22 years before deciding to become a full-time athlete after the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. "I think this is certainly an advantage of Paralympic sports in the Netherlands. If you belong to the top, you will receive an income and you can fully focus on training and getting better at your sport. Before this, I was a claim correspondent at an insurance office for 22 years. I had an agreement to come back after my six-month sabbatical around the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, but I noticed that I could no longer find the balance. I had been working less and less hours, eventually 28 hours [per week], but upon my return I noticed very strongly that this was not the path for me to continue. I am someone who always wants to finish her work and always show 100% effort, but it now [speaking in 2021] gives me much more peace that I can fully focus on my sport. Instead of not combining two things optimally." (sportintwente.nl, 28 Sep 2021; knwu.nl, 23 Aug 2021) OTHER ACTIVITIES In November 2019 she became an ambassador for inclusive sports and exercise in the province of Drenthe in the Netherlands. She has also served as chairwoman of Sportfietsen ten westen van de Haar/Vriezenveensewijk [TWHV], a foundation that manages Bikepark Westerhaar in the Netherlands. (Bikepark Westerhaar Facebook profile, 22 Aug 2023; toren.net, 24 Jul 2023; jennettejansen.nl, 15 Sep 2019)

Sporting Relatives: Her partner Bert Seijen has competed in road cycling at national level in the Netherlands. (Facebook profile, 18 Apr 2020; Masters Cycling Team Facebook page, 15 Jun 2015)